Durban Ultra Triathlon ready to crown a new SA Tri Champion!

Durban Ultra Triathlon ready to crown a new SA Tri Champion!

With only 14 days left to enter the 2nd MiWayLife Durban Ultra, athletes from across South Africa are busy securing their place on the starting line for Durban’s iconic triathlon event. Race day is less than 2 months away and the country’s leading triathletes are excited to take on what is dubbed as South Africa’s fastest ULTRA distance triathlon course on the 4th of March.

The Durban Ultra Triathlon which is part of a National Triathlon Series with events at Sun City, Cape Town and Midmar Dam made its return in 2017 after a 20-year hiatus and it did not disappoint. The weather was fantastic and many an athlete posted PB’s on a course that can only be described as flat and as fast as they come. The MiWayLife Durban Ultra will once again double as the SA Ultra Triathlon Championships for 2018. Apart from the prize-money on offer, SA titles will be on the line in the various age categories with an SA Ultra Team being selected, based on these results to go to the ITU World Championships later on in the year

The swim discipline will start just south of the Suncoast Casino Complex and will cover a 1.9km swim for the Ultra athletes while the Sprint Athletes will swim a course that is around 600m in length. Sea conditions were great in 2017 with flat surf conditions but the organisers, B-Active have taken extra precautions ahead of the race date. Should the normal starting point for the swim be deemed too rough on the day, they have in place an additional 3 starting points for the swim that will ensure that all the swimmers, weak and strong are catered for.

The Bike discipline will involve 2 loops of 45km with the far turn-point situated just past the Umdloti Bridge turn-off which is on the M4 heading towards Ballito. Full road closure has been given for the safety of our athletes by the Durban Metro Police and with the support of the City of Durban. There is only 1 climb of any significance at Sibiya Casino and athletes will relish the fast and flat cycle route that has posted some phenomenal times on the bike in the past over the 90km distance. Sprint triathletes have it even easier with an out and back 20km loop that is super-fast with a smooth road surface that is second to none in terms of perfect riding conditions.

The run will take place along Durban’s famous promenade section and will take in 3 loops of 7km each with the finish this year, taking place in front of the Moses Mabhida Stadium tunnel. The organisers felt that although the Peoples Park Finish in 2017 was great, the beach area is a much more festive and vibrant finish area with loads more entertainment on offer, especially for the spectators. There is no question that the run course is flat, the only obstacle being the heat of the day which can make for a fun yet challenging 21km run loop. Sprint guys and girls will do an easier 5km which is an ideal distance for the novice to manage and complete

There will be R92 000 prize money on offer that will ensure the leading athletes are all in attendance aiming for the big money and top podium placings. The MiWayLife Durban Ultra will once again double as the SA Ultra Triathlon Championships for 2018. Apart from the prize-money on offer, SA titles will be on the line in the various age categories with an SA Ultra Team being selected, based on these results to go to the ITU World Championships later on in the year

Entries are filling up fast with the closing date for entries set as 5th February. Entries are also limited to 800 Ultra and 800 Sprint competitors, ensuring a safe and enjoyable racing experience over the whole course.